Scrolling through your social media feeds and catching the posts of travel influencers? Or chatting with colleagues about their latest family holiday? Or maybe you just received another postcard from your digital nomad bestie?
Knowing everyone’s travel plans can stir up some serious vacation envy and it can be nearly impossible not to feel a little left out when life’s demands keep you from jetting off like everyone else seems to be doing.
The good news is that vacation envy is normal (and okay!) and the better news is that there are some practical things you can do to help deal with these feelings.
1. Acknowledge your feelings
Learning how to cope with vacation envy starts with acknowledging that envy is a real emotion. It doesn’t matter why you’re feeling it. You might be missing out because of your current finances, responsibilities, or health, or any number of other reasons.
In any case, recognizing that your feelings are real and it’s okay to be a little disappointed about your current circumstances.
2. Step back from social media
It likely comes as no surprise that social media can easily amplify feelings of sadness and vacation envy. Especially in the cases of high-profile accounts, your feed can bombard you with pictures of tropical sunsets, five-star resorts, and carefree adventures.
If this is the case, the best thing you can do is to simply log off. It doesn’t have to be forever, and sometimes work tasks or family responsibilities mean you can’t log off entirely.
When you need to stay connected, try muting or unfollowing accounts that stir up those feelings. No need to feel guilty.
3. Shift your perspective & be grateful
It’s natural to fixate on what you’re missing, but what if you flip that around?
Maybe you can dive into a project you’ve been putting off or simply enjoy the comfort of being in your own space. It might not be an adventure but it can still provide you with some good endorphins and feelings of accomplishment.
Reflect on these good moments and the other positive aspects of your life. Shifting your focus can put things in perspective and help you cope with vacation envy.
4. Plan your “someday” dream trip
You don’t have to be travelling now to stop thinking about the day that you might be able to.
Let yourself daydream about the trip you’ve always wanted to take, even if it’s way down the road. Look up destinations or start a travel savings plan (even if it’s just a small amount). Having something fun to look forward to can keep you motivated and excited for the future.
5. Treat yourself to a staycation
Sometimes our own hometowns have hidden gems and attractions that draw tourism that you’ve never even realized. Take advantage of what your region has to offer and explore your own backyard.
For some enjoyable “holiday-style” downtime treat yourself from your own living room. Order takeout and watch a new movie. Sometimes, simply indulging in a little relaxation right at home can feel just as refreshing as a vacation.
Go ahead, start a travel savings plan!
If one of your biggest obstacles to heading away on holiday is money, start building a travel fund. Include an aloSIM eSIM data package for your destination and feel good knowing that you’re paying just a few dollars to stay connected with data no matter where your travels take you.
Even if it feels like a slow or lengthy process, planning ahead and setting goals for your next trip can help you feel more in control and get you closer to achieving your travel dreams.
